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Hi, i can buy moto x but seller told me that it has sprint simlock and it has ESN block (i dont know what it is at all). Im from poland and what i wanna know is it can be unlocked to work in gsm in poland? Any way to do this? Flashing custom rom or something like that
The Sprint X is sim locked by default.
Everything I've seen so far about unlocking the Sprint X says you must be a current sprint customer, have the X active on your line, and meet certain conditions (like bills paid, xx months into contract, etc), then Sprint will give you the SIM unlock code.
I've seen many posts of non-Sprint customers buying used Sprint X and being unable to SIM unlock them.
See some of the discussion here -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/request-to-make-sim-unlock-files-ota-t2639665
I've been bummed on this one as well. No luck here either. I actually met a sprint customer who had it unlocked through sprint but it still didn't pick up anything on AT&T. They are selling for super cheap but there is no point since I have yet to see one unlocked and running on gsm. At least in US.
noobsquared said:
I've been bummed on this one as well. No luck here either. I actually met a sprint customer who had it unlocked through sprint but it still didn't pick up anything on AT&T. They are selling for super cheap but there is no point since I have yet to see one unlocked and running on gsm. At least in US.
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Sprint will only unlock for international GSM use. You will never be able to use it on domestic carriers unless some exploit is used that is beyond the scope of the official Sprint "OTA" unlock (which as @KidJoe has advised is only available to actual sprint customers who meet certain criteria).
Man, all these US carrier restrictions on sim locking, bootloaders locked etc....makes me kinda appreciate the Canadian carriers. I've yet to have any issues caused by carriers restricting things on my devices.
KJ said:
Man, all these US carrier restrictions on sim locking, bootloaders locked etc....makes me kinda appreciate the Canadian carriers. I've yet to have any issues caused by carriers restricting things on my devices.
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From what I've seen. Canadian carriers may give you the unlock code and all and apologize on top as well. Much nice eh?
Well, I had to pay a site to sim unlock....I was not a rogers customer....but at least I could. Unlike sprint. I've never had trouble unlocking bootloaders either.
So I've made the jump to tmobile and I have a brand new unactivated Note 3 but the att version and the box says it's on kit Kat. From what I understand if it's been unactivated and I try to unlock it it will only be region unlocked. I don't really understand this if some of you guys can chime in and explain to me in further detail what this means I would be thankful.
ahfu25 said:
So I've made the jump to tmobile and I have a brand new unactivated Note 3 but the att version and the box says it's on kit Kat. From what I understand if it's been unactivated and I try to unlock it it will only be region unlocked. I don't really understand this if some of you guys can chime in and explain to me in further detail what this means I would be thankful.
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When you buy a phone it is locked in more than 1 way.
First of all it is region locked. This means that the phone must be used for 5 to 15 minutes on the carrier it is intended for, in it's intended location. For example. An At&t phone must be used in the United states, on At&t's network for 5 to 15 minutes before it can be used outside the U.S. or on a different carrier like T-mobile.
Second of all the phone is SIM locked. This means that the phone can only be used with it's branded carriers SIM card installed. SIM unlock codes can be obtained from the phones branded carrier, or a 3rd party source. In order for an At&t phone to work on T-mobile you must unlock the SIM.
If you have an At&t Note 3 with firmware ending in MI9, there's an app called region lockaway that can unlock both the SIM and region locks. This exploit was fixed before kit kat was released. So if your build ends with NC2, MLG, NB4, or MJ5 you have to purchase a SIM unlock code, or call the branded carrier.
Phones also has a bootloader which loads the devices software. The At&t Note 3 has a locked bootloader. This prevents the installation of a custom recovery. Custom recoveries give us access to cool AOSP roms and one click system restores. Exploits like safestrap let us tweak stock software for a custom feel. But it's just not the same.
Finally all devices have a root directory. Some phones can allow root access. This allows us to perform exploits like safestrap, and tweak system files.
I know you didn't ask for all that info, but I included it for some other curious unknowing readers. I hope I answered your question.
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
f2000sa said:
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
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Verizon phones are all carrier unlocked. I'm using a Verizon Note 8 on T-Mobile right now.
Couple questions:
1. Have you double checked to make sure the IMEI is clean and clear? If its blacklisted on Verizon, it won't work on any US carrier.
2. Do you have a nano SIM from Sprint that's already activated?
3. Have you tried flashing either the unlocked firmwareor the Sprint firmware on it?
Thanks, Mr. Orange645
The phone was bought brand new a month ago from Best Buy , and used on Verizon for a month. Phone paid off and no contract. IMEI should be clean. I did a check on Ting with the IMEI , and it can be used for GSM.
I have two nano sims from Sprint, both activated and un-activated. The problem is that Sprint can not add the IMEI to their system. I called Samsung and gave the IMEI, and was told that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. I wonder whether there is way to do CDMA unlocking.
I did not try to flash unlocked ROM. I think that IMEI on sprint network is the first step.
So you have a nano SIM that's already activated with Sprint? It's in a Sprint phone right now and has service?
If So, put the activated SIM in your Note 8 and see if you have service.
Sprint shouldn't have to activate your phone, just the Sim. That's how you can buy the Unlocked version from Samsung.com and stick your Sprint SIM in it and have service.
Sprint uses CDMA, and have to add the IMEI to their system to make it work. Also tried the activated sim, with no luck.
There is no "CDMA unlocking," it's either carrier unlocked or it's not. And ALL Verizon LTE Devices are Carrier unlocked.
f2000sa said:
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
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Have you tried simply factory resetting the device first and then booting up for the first time with the activated Sprint sim in.
Maybe try flashing Sprint firmware?
IMEI is hard-coded. For CDMA, it must be added into Sprint systems. Unless GSM, only a SIM is necessary.
Did Sprint not provide some sort of reason/explanation as to why they are unable to add the IMEI? If they can't do it, surely they can tell you why.
CDMA networks are finicky -- Sprint's in particular -- when it comes to bringing over other carrier devices (even ones with compatible hardware). Some good info in here:
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhon...y-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network
f2000sa said:
IMEI is hard-coded. For CDMA, it must be added into Sprint systems. Unless GSM, only a SIM is necessary.
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I believe someone is giving you false information. You should be able to place an activated SIM card into the phone and start using it. That's how the unlocked Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Note 8 all work. You buy them unlocked and use them on whichever carrier you want, including Sprint. That's how my Nexus 6 worked on Verizon, before I switched to T-Mobile. Verizon also uses CDMA, and they didn't have to add any IMEI into their system. You just put the activated SIM into the phone.
I could take a Verizon SIM and put it into my T-Mobile S8+ right now, and it would activate and get service.
But to answer your original question again, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CDMA UNLOCKING. The phone is either carrier unlocked, or its not. And the Verizon Note 8 is 100% carrier unlocked.
I beginning to suspect you bought a Note 8 with a bad IMEI, if you got it used.
EDIT: I MAY BE WRONG (don't tell my wife, she never hears me say that)
After doing some research on Reddit, it looks like others ran into the same issue as you. The unlocked version and the Sprint version will work, but none of the other carrier Note 8s are eligible for BYOD. Which is stupid, since they are all exactly the same hardware.
I'd try this:
Use ODIN to flash either the Unlocked 950U1 firmware, or the Sprint 950U firmware. Then place the Sprint SIM card in the phone to see if it activates upon start up. If it doesn't then you may be hosed. If that's the case, sign up for T-Mobile. LOL.
Thanks all for the useful information and help. The error they encountered is that they could not load the ESN to the Sprint PLBL database. They got error like incompatible, or unsupported device etc.
Sprint will not add other carries phone to their system. If IMEI is from Verizon it will never work with active or inactive SIM. Only way if it was factory unlocked phone bought from Samsung.
Did anyone find a solution to this? Moved to Sprint BYOD two days ago with my Verizon note8 and it won't work. The phone keeps asking for a Verizon since. I am at second Sprint repair center as I type this. Please tell me it can be fixed. Thanks.
I am in the same boat, Paid off my wife's Iphone7+ and my Note 8 with Verizon and then tried to BYOD with sprint and they are unable to activate. Verizon informed me that their devices are 100% not locked and Sprint has no clue.
You could try other carriers like straightalk or tmobile maybe even metro pcs but it will not work with sprint. They are a pain and don't allow other carrier phones on their network.
I purchased a Verizon Note 8 , which was paid off and unlocked. Successfully activated on Sprint using my existing Active Sprint sim card.
Everything looks good, just one major issue, I am stuck with 3G internet. Still not able to get 4G LTE on Sprint.
[/COLOR]
OriyaGuru said:
I purchased a Verizon Note 8 , which was paid off and unlocked. Successfully activated on Sprint using my existing Active Sprint sim card.
Everything looks good, just one major issue, I am stuck with 3G internet. Still not able to get 4G LTE on Sprint.
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you need to enter sprints apn bro then you will have 4G.
I have the reverse issue. I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a Sprint Note 8, but I want to use it on Verizon. Assuming the device is not blacklisted, would there be any issue with this? Buying a sprint-branded phone and using it on Verizon's CDMA network? Are all the bands the same? I get 3 checkmarks on willmyphonework.com (but they didn't have the Note 8 yet, just the Note 7)
Considering purchasing, but I'm not sure if they are locked down like Vzw proper are.
TIA!
According to their website:
"What is Visible’s unlocking policy?
Smartphones that you purchase from Visible will be locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock unless we have determined or suspect that the device was lost, stolen, or purchased fraudulently.
Once the 60 day period following device activation expires, your phone will be unlocked."
ekeppel said:
According to their website:
"What is Visible’s unlocking policy?
Smartphones that you purchase from Visible will be locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock unless we have determined or suspect that the device was lost, stolen, or purchased fraudulently.
Once the 60 day period following device activation expires, your phone will be unlocked."
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That's for carrier unlock
Newbie8000 said:
That's for carrier unlock
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I keep seeing people say this now. Carrier/sim lock is now directly related to oem unlocking on new devices.
If you purchase a branded pixel device from a carrier the oem unlock option is there but cannot be toggled until the device is paid off/sim unlocked.
This applies to US carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon customers are sol.
as10158508 said:
I keep seeing people say this now. Carrier/sim lock is now directly related to oem unlocking on new devices.
If you purchase a branded pixel device from a carrier the oem unlock option is there but cannot be toggled until the device is paid off/sim unlocked.
This applies to US carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon customers are sol.
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Click to collapse
I'm aware of this, but I'm not sure if things have changed with Visible as it is owned by Verizon and I think they use the actual Verizon network now rather than some weird cloud thing.
as10158508 said:
I keep seeing people say this now. Carrier/sim lock is now directly related to oem unlocking on new devices.
If you purchase a branded pixel device from a carrier the oem unlock option is there but cannot be toggled until the device is paid off/sim unlocked.
This applies to US carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon customers are sol.
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Click to collapse
Visible is for all intents and purposes Verizon so OP's question is relevant.
Apologies. I was responding to post #2
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking is now directly related. To answer the OP, Visible is a MVNO of Verizon so I'm assuming even if they carrier unlock the device after 60 days, OEM unlock in developer settings still may not appear.
I purchased a One Plus device outright from T-Mobile (cash) and OEM unlock was present but not toggle-able. There was a message underneath stating to contact carrier. After a 15 minute chat with support, they sim/carrier unlocked the device. I tested with my Verizon sim and rebooted. Went back to developer options and surely enough OEM unlock was able to be toggled.
Guessing is always a tried and true method. If it wasn't for visible awful customer service I'd suggest you ask them!
Fate as it is, I got mine from Visible, oem unlocked a week or two later. Didn't have to pay anything off
I cannot comment about Verizon but...
Just an FYI for others asking this question about ATT.
ATT branded phones are unable to have the bootloader unlocked. Yes, you can have it Carrier Unlocked once you meet certain paramters(account paid up, phone paid off, etc) but when you have it Carrier Unlocked, the OEM Unlock feature is not even present in Dev options. If other carrier gray it out, there are tricks to enable it as mentioned above, but not ATT.
I had a rooted Honor View10 that they blacklisted. They sent me a sh*tty s10e as a courtesy and even after I carier unlocked it, the OEM unlock feature was never to be found. I researched quite a bit and found others had the same issue. Ended up trading it in for the Pixel 7 unlocked straight from Google.
Anyone know how to unlock Pixel 7 from Verizon?
sillyshyme said:
Anyone know how to unlock Pixel 7 from Verizon?
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If you are talking about the bootloader, you can't unlock it on Verizon models.
Lughnasadh said:
If you are talking about the bootloader, you can't unlock it on Verizon models.
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So how do you unlock to use different carriers?
sillyshyme said:
So how do you unlock to use different carriers?
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Device Locking FAQs
To prevent identity theft and fraud, devices bought from Verizon are locked and cannot be used on another carrier's network for the first 60 days after purchase.
www.verizon.com
sillyshyme said:
So how do you unlock to use different carriers?
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On T-Mobile, supposedly once you pay off the device and wait a certain amount of days (so you can't just resell it in another market), they will unlock the SIM (which pretty much the only prerequisite to unlock the bootloader) -- there are certain workarounds that one can do to get it done before this point, but there isn't a fixed method that works all the time; depends on your history with the carrier, making claims that you work as a developer and require it to be unlocked, supposedly an older method is some have simply said they are traveling internationally and "temporarily" need the SIM unlocked.
I had mistakenly believed AT&T had similar restrictions and workarounds/methods, but apparently not. There is supposed ways for AT&T, but they are less established, consistent, and reliable.
Verizon will not do it under any circumstances. Google sets aside batches meant for Verizon (carrier variant) that almost exclusively locked down bootloaders. No one is clear on the true method for how they lock it down for just that variant -- a case in the past that I was able to get a Verizon Pixel without locked bootloader is getting an RMA, but because they were inundated with exchanges, they just sent Google variants to cover for the short amount of time -- but it seems that they load the device up once at the factory to Verizon's network at least once, and that triggers the lockdown (there was an exploit before where if you do some other things and as long as you didn't put in a Verizon SIM card, you were able to get away with OEM unlock toggle before it was locked down; which is why/what happened in that RMA exchange [if you put in a Verizon SIM, it would lock it down]).
In any case, this has been the case since the first Pixel (1), and there have been bounties for unlocking Verizon variants since then that must've collectively reached more than $10k! And no one has successfully managed to do it and claim all that bag...!
For worse & worser, there is no way to unlock a Verizon variant's bootloader...
I just realized you weren't asking how "other carriers are unlocked", but how to "unlock it to use on other carriers"?
The only way is to get an unlocked non-carrier variant from Google Store, some brick and mortar stores have "unlocked" variants (Best Buy did when it first went on sale), Amazon seems to have/had it, or get it second-hand non-carrier variant from sites like Swappa....
Verizon will not do unlock bootloader under any circumstances.
I haven't seen any circumstances of Verizon "sim unlocking" the device, but they are less restrictive on that than "bootloader unlocking"; I'm sure there are ways/services that do, if not Verizon themselves. Like I stated in my crossed-out section, most carriers simply make you wait a certain amount of time (days) before offering the ability to do so -- to discourage purchasing a device then selling it in another (not official) market.